Support for vulnerable people by Norfolk Police has been singled out for praise by inspectors who deemed the force 'good' in a report published today.
The 2017 PEEL police effectiveness report rated Norfolk Police as good in tackling serious and organised crime, protecting vulnerable people, and investigating crime and reducing reoffending.
It was rated outstanding by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services for preventing crime and tackling anti-social behaviour.
The judgement was largely based on evidence gathered in 2016, and updated at a 2017 inspection.
Deputy Chief Constable Nick Dean said: 'Identifying and protecting the most vulnerable people in our society, be they children or adults at risk of serious harm, is our priority.
'We are adapting our policing model in order to deal with the changing face of crime, which sees officers dealing with increasing demand in an ever more complex society.
'More than 80pc of all crimes we attend involve people who have become vulnerable due to situation or circumstance. In order to meet this challenge it's important we deal effectively with vulnerable people when we first come into contact with them.
'It is pleasing our efforts to consistently identify those most at risk have been recognised in this latest report by HMICFRS and we will continue to work with our partners to build our understanding to provide the most appropriate response.'
HM Inspector of Constabulary Zoë Billingham said of Norfolk: 'I am very impressed that the force is continuing to make good its promise to prioritise the service it provides to vulnerable victims. It has a strong track record of identifying whether a person is vulnerable at the first point of contact and has clear processes in place for assessing the risk to victims. The force has high arrest rates of domestic abuse suspects, which helps to protect their victims from ongoing further harm.
'I am impressed with the work the force is doing to support people with mental health conditions, finding innovative ways to work with partners so people in mental health crisis can get the proper care and treatment they need.'
To read the report visit justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmicfrs/
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